Ancient Greece Birthplace of Western Civilization.
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Transcript of Ancient Greece Birthplace of Western Civilization.
Ancient Greece
Birthplace of Western Civilization
Greek Geography
• Ancient Greece sets on a Peninsula (water on three sides)
• Mediterranean Sea• Many Islands• River Valleys are scattered among
mountainous terrain
Impact of Geography
• Excellent Sailors• Trade is Crucial• Isolated Communities: become very
independent• Rivalry among Greek communities creates
warfare.
The Minoans
• Civilization on the Island of Crete• Knossos Capital – huge palace structure• Powerful Trading People• Civilization disappeared– Destroyed by Tidal Wave?– Conquered by Mycenae?
The Mycenae
• The 1st Greeks• Fortified Cities, Surrounded by giant walls• Warrior people• Civilization collapses• Greeks enter dark ages
The Polis: Center of Greek Life
• Polis: A town or city and its surrounding country side.
• Acropolis: meeting place for the people of the polis.– Surrounded by a wall, people went here in an
attack.– Public buildings
• Agora: open area usually held a market
The Community
• Citizens with Rights: Adult Males ONLY• Citizens with out rights: Women and Children• Non-Citizens: Slaves or Foreigners• All citizens had responsibilities to the state
Greek Military
• Hoplites: Heavily armed foot soldiers, fought as a unit
• Phalanx: Greek fighting unit, used shields to create a wall